Page 80 of Highland Stars
He pulls back, just enough to speak. “Have you ever played a gig?”
I laugh. “No.” Then pop a quick kiss to his smiling lips and head for the stage.
Malcolm catches up with me and takes my hand again. We step up onto the little platform, and he confidently approaches the mic. “Hello!”
He’s met with a surprisingly rowdy round of applause for the crowd of a small pub. “I’m Malcolm Robertson, for those of you who don’t know, and I have averyspecial guest with me tonight.”
The crowd cheers again. I’m pretty sure he’s over selling me.
“I want to introduce you to the incredible, fantastic, sweet as a wee pie, Makenna Fore.”
Definitely overselling.
More cheering, as I awkwardly wave. Aileen gives me two thumbs up.
“And gentlemen, I’m sorry. She’s taken.” A couple of boos sound within the cheers, and I feel myself blush as Malcolm puts his arm around me. He leans into my ear. “I’m sorry, but I had to be clear from the beginning. I don’t want to have to get into a fight tonight.”
He kisses my cheek before handing me his guitar and takingRory’s. I get settled on the stool and look up to find Malcolm’s family, along with a man I don’t recognize coming through the door.
“About time,” Malcolm says to me. “And that’s Rory beside Isla.”
I raise my eyebrows as if to say, is there something going on there? Malcolm just shrugs and we both turn back to the audience.
He strums the first chord ofWild Mountain Thymeand I join him.
“You guys were magical together,” Fiona leans in beside me and whispers after I’ve left the stage and joined them.
“Ya were.” The man Malcolm pointed out as Rory, leans across Fiona, and extends his hand. “I’m Rory, by the way. Pleased to finally meet the girl who has Malcolm daydreaming at work.”
“Oh!” I laugh awkwardly and feel my face redden. “Likewise.” I manage a normal smile, as Rory leans back in his seat.
Mrs. Robertson puts an arm around my shoulders and squeezes. “I made a video so you can send it to your mam. I know she'd love to see it.”
I turn and grin at Malcolm’s mom. “She’ll love that. Thankyou.”
“Of course, sweet girl.”
Malcolm plays five more songs before joining us during his break. He gives me a big hug. “You were amazing. I wish we could do all the songs together.”
“Maybe another time.” I really enjoyed it once I broke free from the early nerves.
“Really?”
“Tell me some to practice, and we’ll see.”
“I love having future plans with you,” Malcolm says, then kisses my cheek. He turns to his family. They were, of course, all watching, with sappy grins. Even his dad.
I guess this is life with a big family. I think I like it.
44
Malcolm
“Youknow,thisfeelsmore date-like than going home together,” Makenna says as we walk up the porch steps at my parent’s place.
“Aye, I can see that. Although, it’s a bit funny to me to drop a date off at my parent’s house.”
“I imagine so.” She gives a small chuckle. “Are you gonna come in?”
